Once you have selected a course, use the Western Sydney University Course Search Engine (opens in a new window) to find out specific details about the course you want to apply to including academic entry requirements, course structures and subject descriptions.

Research degrees

Master of Research

The Master of Research enables you to complete a PhD in three years by providing a foundation of research preparation.

In the first year, you will be exposed to a unique combination of advanced methods and disciplinary coursework while concurrently developing a research proposal and improving your academic literacy skills. The course is also structured so that you will engage with issues associated with research ethics and integrity.

In the second year you will undertake a supervised research project and complete a 20,000-25,000 word thesis (or equivalent). There will also be a non-assessable structured learning component.

Doctoral research programs

Require the completion of a major original research project in a chosen academic field.

The program is conducted independently, under academic supervision. Candidates are expected to uncover new knowledge either by the discovery of new facts, the formulation of theories, or the innovative re-interpretation of known data and established ideas.

The outcome of the research project is presented by way of thesis and is expected to make a significant original contribution to knowledge in the chosen field.

The Doctoral programs support further development of research skills and experience and candidates are expected to present academic papers within professional for a and to publish academic papers.

Pre-university pathways to Western Sydney University

The College (opens in a new window) is wholly-owned by Western Sydney University and is the University's preferred provider of University Foundation Studies, Diploma programs, and English language courses.

Diplomas

Diplomas are equivalent to the first-year undergraduate programs in disciplines at Western Sydney University. Upon successful completion of the Diploma, students enter the second year of the Western Sydney University degree with advanced standing of one year.

Other Tertiary Education Pathways

Western Sydney University offers you a range of formalised Tertiary Education (TE) pathways (opens in a new window) into popular university degrees. These TE pathways are established agreements between TAFE, private Vocational Educational and Training (VET) or higher education colleges that generally provide guaranteed entry and credit transfer from your vocational/higher education studies towards a related degree. Credit transfer is sometimes also known as advanced standing or recognition of prior learning (RPL). For many popular Diplomas and Advanced Diplomas these pathways to the university are pre-negotiated, so you can find out in advance what credit you will be eligible to receive for your previous studies.

For more information, visit the Pathways page. (opens in a new window)